Dastkar comes calling

Showcasing the work of 150 craft groups from 19 different states, there is an amazing variety of goods on display under one roof at Gayatri Vihar, Palace Grounds.

Dastkar, a society founded by six women in 1981, aimed at improving the economic status of craftspeople is back in the City with its 10-day annual extravaganza.

Showcasing the work of 150 craft groups from 19 different states, there is an amazing variety of goods on display under one roof at Gayatri Vihar, Palace Grounds. Ideal for picking up unusual gifts or enhancing your wardrobe or home interiors, there is something for everyone here at the exhibition called Nature Bazaar 2009.

The bazaar itself is a vibrant mix of products and crafts from jewellery to art and high end silk weaves to stylish contemporary goods.

“The purpose is to enable artisans to sell their products directly to the customers, expose craftspeople to the market and give them a first-hand knowledge of customer tastes and trends,” say the organisers. The products on display range from textiles, garments and accessories to home furnishings, toys, stationery and objects d’art.

Unique natural weaves from different parts of the country ranging from Tussar, Kota, Chanderi, Jamdani to wools that have been transformed into lovely light stoles and shawls in rich jewel tones to gorgeous silks that defy description, are available. There are also sarees, dress materials, readymade garments from kurtis to mix and match pieces, hand bags, jewellery, brightly coloured pottery, earthen ware, unusual weaves from the mystic North East, finely embroidered garments from Gujarat and Rajasthan in snowy whites or bright splashes of colour. Gleaming brass ware, hollowed out gourds in funky shapes, beautiful wood carvings on small panels or huge life-sized ones that work well as planters or vases, bangles and brightly coloured jewellery in all shapes and sizes from tiny dancers dangling on a wire to chunky tribal work are all displayed in the myriad stalls set up at the venue. Patola sarees, terracotta and Meenakari jewellery, Bodo weaves, Chikankari work and herbal soaps from Jharkhand are also part of the range available. Live demonstrations of lac bangles and Madhubani painting add to the lively feel of the bazaar and for the table there are a range of ready to cook mixes and powders, digestive choorans and well-seasoned pickle from different states, their aroma wafting tantalisingly into the air at the gourmet corner.